Tuesday, September 28, 2010

9/29.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!! =)

This entry is a bit “scatterbrained, but if you’re reading this blog, then you most likely know me, and know that I can tend to possess that quality from time to time. So please, fasten your safety belt and bare with me.

I made a little journal before I came here, so I would remember what I thought before I came. I was defiantly wrong about a lot of things. I wondered about TV and movies. I was defiantly surprised by the fact that most of the media that influences the Norwegian culture is from America. They watch shows in the dorms like “The Simpsons”, “Gossip Girl”, “South Park”, “King of Queens” and others. They watch almost all of the same movies, although there are Norwegian and Swedish films as well. There is quite an American music influence over here, but the music that is liked and accepted over here is a bit different. (a lot of Techno and a lot of Pop music.) I am a fan of Old Rock and Roll and Real Rap—not poppy hip-hop, and I don’t seem to share the connection with too many of the students here…well the Norwegian ones anyway. There are quite a few kids that go to school here that were at some point foreign exchange students in the U.S. Their states have ranged from Oklahoma and Kansas to Seattle and even Grand Forks!

Everything here is quite expensive. To be honest I don’t think I’ve run into anything that is cheaper here than at home. Norwegians pay quite a bit in taxes on their goods—anywhere from 10 to 25 percent depending on what is being purchased. Because of this, Norwegians, especially the lower class, big families, and students tend to drive to Sweden to buy certain things like meats, cheese, tobacco, alcohol and candy. They also tend to buy their expensive technologies (like computers, ipods and what not) in the Untied States, because even after duty and taxes it’s still cheaper. Another result of the high prices, is that they rarely tip at a restaurant or bar—not a thing. In the U.S. 10% is stingy, here it’s greatly appreciated.

I could go on and on about the difference in shopping for food. I have a video to accompany this, but I have been shocked at what I’ve found in the meat section in the grocery store. They don’t have refrigerated turkey or chicken, they only serve frozen chicken breasts, and in larger bags (pretty much in bulk). They have red meats, but not like at home. There’s little selection as to what kind of hamburger, steak and pork, and they’re slim pickings. I expected to see a lot of fish, especially cheaper and that’s not the case. They have a selection comparable to a nice Rainbow or Kowalski’s in the states, roughly priced the same. They don’t have much for white lunch meat (meaning turkey and chicken)

They don’t sell milk in anything bigger than a 1.5 liter carton, mainly because Norwegians don’t drink nearly as much milk as we do. Grocery shopping has been an event to say the least. To use a cart, you need to insert a 10 kroner coin (worth almost $2.00) so it will unlock.

Another thing you have to pay for that I was astounded by is the bathroom! At train stations, in the mall and in other certain places it costs almost a dollar to use the bathroom! Ridiculous! I was waiting for a train and after eating at the station I had 5 kroner left on me…that’s it. I spent it on a little piece of chocolate…which turned out to be disgusting! (In my opinion it was gross… because it had coconut filling. However, Norwegian chocolate is UNREAL—So good. World famous actually, behind the swiss of course.) Anywhoo… I spent the 5 kroner on a nasty candy, and 10 min later needed to “take a leak”. I asked the cashier for the bathroom, and she informed me I had to pay 5 kroner! (6 kroner is roughly $1.oo) Needless to say I had to wait until I got on the train where it was free.

The little things in America you take for granted!

To add to that, I take for granted being able to talk to anyone around. Especially in Minnesota, everyone is willing to help out for the most part, lend a hand or pass the time in conversation with. Well it’s VERY hard to do that when I know little Norwegian (although I’m learning in class). But also, Norwegians are known for being reserved people, not talking to those around them. AND not looking someone in the eye when you pass them on the sidewalk! Outrageous! I give out smiles like it’s my day job and I am consistently Shut Down.

AND ON I CONTINUE…Please post questions and comments below—I’d love to answer them.

I’m very surprised at how much the Norwegians chew chewing tobacco. They do I quite a lot, but they chew the “pouched” or what they call “portioned” SNUS. Students do it in class, before and after. They don’t spit, and usually place it in their top lip between the first and second and front teeth, in the upper gums of course. Many of the girls here do it just as do the guys. From my standpoint it is extremely unattractive… a girl smiles and there’s a brown little thing in her front grill.

Being here is great. I AM loving it and recommend it to anyone considering it. I DO miss home, but I miss the things and people from home. As the famous historian Joeseph Dirte’ once said, “Home is where you make it.” And that is true, it’s where the heart is. I miss my family, friends, and way of life (DRIVING A CAR!). Here they only drive when needed, because gas is more than 4x as expensive as it is back home. So next time you’re mad at the prices, think of me chipping in over here for those who will drive me from time to time.

Things I miss most about home besides what I just mentioned….

1. 1. Cheez-it’s (nothing compares)

2. 2. DILL PICKLES (They only have the sweet pickles here….Ish..)

3. 3.Ritz bitz with cheese (I hardly even like those back home.)

4. 4. More clothes than what I brought

5. 5. My pillow

6.6. My hockey equipment (I could skate nearly everyday if I had it.)

7.7. Flaming hot cheetos (again, I hardly like them at home.)

8. 8. Mac and cheese (Theirs is white. They basically DO NOT have American cheese here (like KRAFT SINGLES). If you watch the “cribs video” (Which is a ridiculous video and I apologize for making anyone watch me act stupid in it… You see what cheese they DO have. White. It’s not mozzarella, not parmesan, it’s… um… white.)

9.9. Good peanut butter (theirs is really dry)

1.10. Dress clothes. (Norwegians get very dressed up for evenings. Ties sometimes, dress shirts, nice slacks—girls in dresses. And then there’s me and Tarik…rockin’ the blue jeans and a zip-up hoodie.)

As you can tell I’m hungry right now, because the list is mainly food.

1 comment:

I can't believe this is the first time I've been on your blog in over a month - Sorry! The Cribs video was good. I've been wanting to see what the dorms and the school are really like. It's good to know you have your own room, plenty of kitchen area, commons/relaxing space, and a short walk to class. The people seem nice - and don't look foreign at all. The rock in mid air between the "mountains" is amazing. I can't believe you were on it! I miss you lots!

About Me

My name is Brian Edward Gendreau and I am currently beginning my Junior year at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
I'm from 20 minutes north of the Twin Cities in Minnesota and attended Centennial High School having graduated in the Spring of 2008.
I'm studying abroad at the American College of Norway for the entire first semester. (Aug 21st-Dec 23rd).
As a Comm. student this school fits perfectly into my plan of study and will help me graduate on time.
ACN is a sister school of UND, so tuition was basically the same-the airfare was the largest difference in living expenses compared to years past. Feel free to ask questions on this page (or on my Facebook account) and I'll answer them in a hurry.
A quick shout out to not only my lovely family but also "The Spot" at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School-- My biggest fans can't wait to see you all soon!